Neeraj Chopra has been ruled out of the remainder of the 2026 season after suffering a ligament tear in his ankle during training. The injury rules the two-time Olympic medallist out of the Asian Games and Diamond League Final, bringing his campaign to a premature end just as he appeared to be finding his rhythm.
Chopra had shown encouraging signs at the Lausanne Diamond League, producing a Season’s Best throw in what was his third competitive outing of the year. In a post on Instagram on August 29, Chopra confirmed that the injury had forced him and his team to call time on his season.
“Unfortunately, shortly after, I sustained a ligament tear in my ankle during training.”
“After discussions with my doctor and team, we’ve decided that I will sit out the rest of this season.”
The 28-year-old had returned to competition in June at the Doha Diamond League following a lengthy injury layoff, finishing fourth with a throw of 85.69m. He then claimed silver in Glasgow with an 85.83m effort before producing his Season’s Best in Lausanne.
NEERAJ CHOPRA’S SEASON CUT SHORT
Chopra’s comeback season had offered mixed results. His Glasgow performance secured a podium finish, but he was beaten to gold by Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathirage, who produced a huge 89.75m throw.
Lausanne was expected to be an important step towards the Asian Games, where Chopra was set to lead India’s medal hopes. Instead, it will now mark his final competitive appearance of 2026.
The injury also ends his hopes of competing in the Diamond League Final. Chopra had climbed to seventh in the standings and was in contention for qualification before his season was brought to an abrupt halt.
Chopra admitted the timing of the setback was particularly frustrating after feeling that his form was beginning to come together.
“It’s disappointing, especially because I felt close to finding my rhythm. But as they say, setbacks are a part of the journey.”
MAJOR BLOW TO INDIA’S ASIAN GAMES HOPES
Chopra’s absence will be a significant setback for India ahead of the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The Games begin on September 19 and run until October 4, with Chopra now missing the opportunity to defend his men’s javelin title.
With the two-time Olympic medallist out, the pressure in the javelin event will now shift towards Rohit Yadav. Yadav recently produced a personal best of 87.68m to win the World Athletics Silver Level Continental Tour event in Bhubaneswar, a mark that has established him as India’s leading javelin contender behind Chopra.
For Chopra, the immediate priority is recovery rather than competition. The Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya begin on September 19, with India now set to enter the men’s javelin event without its biggest medal contender.
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